Under the soft illumination of the moon, Philippa found herself in her chamber. The day had been marked by an unsettling restlessness, but as the night unfurled its mysteries, a feeling of both anticipation and anxiety settled upon her.
A soft knock at her chamber door interrupted her thoughts, and she felt a rush of nervous energy. She rose from her seat, her steps hesitant but purposeful, and crossed the room to open the door.
There, in the dimly lit corridor, stood a castle messenger. He held a sealed letter, its wax seal bearing the royal insignia. Philippa's hands trembled slightly as she accepted the letter, her pulse quickening. She knew the handwriting, the words within holding the promise of an encounter that could change everything.
Closing the door behind her, Philippa carefully broke the seal and unfolded the parchment. Her eyes scanned the words written in Baldwin's hand, and a mixture of relief and anticipation washed over her.
